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Wrongful Death Cases in Dallas–Fort Worth

Wrongful Death cases from motor vehicle accidents can vary significantly in severity and outcome. These cases involve injuries that may require medical treatment, rehabilitation, and can impact quality of life. Settlement values depend on injury severity, medical expenses, recovery time, and long-term effects on the victim's daily activities and ability to work.

Last updated: November 2025

High-Level Statistics

$5,000,000
Median award/settlement
$1,800,000 - $15,000,000
Typical range (25th-75th percentile)
Truck/Commercial
Most common accident type
36+
Cases analyzed
Wrongful Death
Other
$25,628
Verdict-Defense

Parents filed a lawsuit after their daughter died in a car crash. They alleged the vehicle was defective and the manufacturer was negligent. The manufacturer argued the vehicle was not defective and they were not negligent. The court ruled in favor of the manufacturer, stating there was no defective product and no manufacturer negligence.

Dallas County • 2025
$25,000,000
Settlement

One driver was intoxicated and speeding when he lost control of his car, causing it to flip and catch fire. The passenger, who had been drinking at a bar earlier, died from his injuries. The passenger's mother filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the bar, the building owner, and the driver.

Dallas County • 2018
$1,800,000
Settlement

A motor vehicle accident occurred, resulting in a fatality. The case involved multiple parties and experts in fields such as accident reconstruction, pathology, and accounting. The matter was resolved through a settlement.

Morris County • 2018
$5,000,000
Settlement

A flight nurse died when a helicopter crashed shortly after taking off. The helicopter company was accused of negligence. The company denied wrongdoing and disputed the injuries and damages. The parties agreed to a settlement.

Dallas County • 2017
$27,000,000
Settlement

Two teenagers died in separate incidents. One died after being assaulted in a restaurant parking lot. The other died in a car crash while trying to take the first victim to the hospital. The families sued the restaurant, alleging negligent security. The case was settled after a jury verdict.

Brazos County • 2017
$504,000
Settlement

One driver's daughter died in a car accident. The plaintiff hired an attorney to represent her in a wrongful death case against the truck driver and trucking company. The case settled for $250,000. The attorney did not give the plaintiff the full amount she was owed. The plaintiff sued the attorney for malpractice. The court found the attorney deceived the plaintiff and awarded her the remaining settlement amount plus exemplary damages.

Harris County • 2016
$504,000
Settlement

One driver's daughter died in a car accident. The plaintiff hired an attorney to represent her in a wrongful death case against the truck driver and trucking company. The case settled for $250,000. The attorney did not give the plaintiff the full amount she was owed. The plaintiff sued the attorney for malpractice, fraud, and other claims. The court found the attorney deceived the plaintiff and awarded her the remaining settlement amount plus exemplary damages.

Harris County • 2016

A motor vehicle accident (MVA) refers to any collision or incident involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, or other vehicles that results in property damage, injury, or death. In Texas, MVA cases typically involve one or more drivers, passengers, or pedestrians seeking compensation for damages resulting from another party's negligence.

Common injuries

Motor vehicle accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor soft tissue damage to catastrophic, life-altering conditions. Common injuries include whiplash and neck injuries, back and spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), broken bones and fractures, internal organ damage, burns, lacerations, and psychological trauma such as PTSD.

Liability overview

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for an accident, you cannot recover damages. Liability is determined by factors such as driver behavior (speeding, distracted driving, DUI), road conditions, vehicle defects, and witness testimony. In MVA cases, establishing clear liability is critical to achieving a favorable outcome.

Factors influencing case value

Several factors influence the value of an MVA case. Injury severity is paramount—more serious injuries result in higher awards. Medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanent disability or disfigurement, and the defendant's insurance policy limits all play a role. Additionally, the quality of legal representation, availability of evidence, and jurisdiction can significantly impact outcomes.

Timelines

Most MVA cases in the Dallas-Fort Worth area take 12-36 months to resolve, depending on complexity. Pre-litigation settlements may occur within months if liability is clear and the insurance company makes a reasonable offer. Cases that proceed to litigation typically take 18-24 months, while those that go to trial can extend to 24-36 months or longer. In Texas, the statute of limitations for MVA personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about motor vehicle accident cases in Dallas-Fort Worth

Important: The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Case outcomes vary significantly based on individual circumstances. Past results are not guarantees of future outcomes. Always consult with a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

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